Avon Council takes stand against distracted driving

The city of Avon will take a renewed approach to distracted driving with Avon City Council approving legislation on May 14 to strengthen the city’s approach.

In a debate that goes back to February, Council gave unanimous approval to an ordinance which will make texting and driving a primary offense, allowing officers to initiate traffic stops and issue citations.

Mayor Bryan Jensen thanked Council for supporting the measure, noting the city had received recognition from AT&T for their efforts. The company launched the “It can wait” campaign to encourage drivers to make better decisions behind the wheel in reducing distracted driving.

“We didn’t think anybody was watching and I think it goes to show you that when you do the right things there are other people out there who are watching and encouraging you and see that someone took notice that the city of Avon had decided to do something that other communities hadn’t done yet,” Jensen said.

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“The statistics are kind of shocking when you see four out of 10 drivers, are distracted and I commend Council for taking action tonight,” Jensen added. “I don’t think it’s going to be a cure-all or anything, but it gives our police officers another tool that allows us to bring it to the attention of the students.”

The ordinance is scheduled to take effect in 30 days and Jensen said the city has ordered signs that will be posted across the city informing motorists of Avon’s new approach.

Under the city’s current approach drivers could only be cited for texting and driving if they are pulled over for a separate offense, making it difficult for the city to intervene and put a dent in the activity.

The newly passed legislation also prohibits motorists from reading and interacting with content in addition to playing games on electronic devices while behind the wheel. A first offense could cost motorists up to $150.

Brian Fischer, a former Cleveland police officer, kick-started the conversation on Feb. 13 and has led the effort in moving the legislation forward in committee, in collaboration with Council and the Avon Police Department.

“It’s not just an Avon problem. It’s everywhere,” Fischer said at the time. “The texting and driving is out of control.”

“And I see it in this city, and that’s why I bring it up for Avon. I’m just hoping we have a zero-tolerance sign. I cannot drive down the street without seeing somebody driving down the street staring at their phone.”

With Avon’s numerous highway interchanges and rapid growth, managing the flow of traffic continues to be a top priority for the city.

Over the past few months Avon police have been supporting efforts through a social media campaign encouraging drivers to think twice before texting and driving.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 3,450 people killed and an estimated 391,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2016 due to distracted driving. The NHTSA estimates there are about 481,000 people using their cellphones while driving during daylight hours on any given day, creating an enormous potential for death and injuries on the roadway.